Publication:

Maternal and perinatal outcome in pregnancy complicated by obstetric cholestasis: study from a tertiary care centre in North India

Background Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (IHCP) is the most common pregnancy related liver disorder. It typically presents with troublesome itching and can lead to complications for both mother and foetus. Present study was carried out to study the incidence of Obstetric Cholestasis and its fetomaternal outcome in a tertiary care hospital.

Methods It was a prospective epidemiological study during a period of one year (May 2020 to April 2021) over 120 pregnant ladies suffering from pruritus and detected as having Obstetric Cholestasis. They were followed up and maternal as well as perinatal outcome recorded. Appropriate statistical analysis done as applicable.

Results The incidence of Obstetric Cholestasis in our hospital was 9.3%. Majority of cases delivered at term (78.3%). 41.6% patients delivered vaginally, 43.3% had emergency caesarean section, and 2.5% patients had instrumental delivery. Maternal morbidities are due to sleep disturbance (60%), coagulation abnormality (13.3%), increase chance of operative delivery (55.8%) and postpartum haemorrhage (12.5%). Neonatal complications include meconium aspiration (46.6%), NICU admission (36.6%), prematurity (5%) and perinatal mortality (3.3%).

Conclusions Cholestasis of pregnancy causes maternal pruritus with impaired liver function tests. Maternal morbidity is increased in terms of increased caesarean section rates and discomfort due to pruritus. A timely intervention at 37-38 weeks will reduce the adverse perinatal outcome.